Memphis @ Southern Methodist preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 25, 2020 ) Southern Methodist 74, Memphis 70

SMU's recent road trip did not go as planned, leaving the Mustangs with a two-game losing streak as they enter Tuesday's home date with Memphis. SMU's chances of winning the American Athletic Conference regular-season title are basically crushed following defeats at Tulane and Tulsa.

In a 22-point pounding at Tulsa the last time out, SMU shot under 39 percent from the floor and missed 22 of its 30 3-point attempts, plus 16 turnovers didn't help matters either. Kendric Davis (4-of-11 from the field) was among the players who struggled, leaving the sophomore at 31.3 percent shooting over the last three games. Perhaps he can get back on track against a Memphis team that is coming off a big win against Houston in its last game. Precious Achiuwa made the decisive foul shot with 28 seconds left and Tigers guard Tyler Harris said afterward: "It's a confidence booster for sure. Going into these next couple of games, we have a swagger about ourselves."

TIME: 9 p.m. ET. TV: CBS Sports Network

ABOUT MEMPHIS (19-8, 8-6 AAC): With star center James Wiseman no longer part of the Tigers' plan, Achiuwa has been counted on to do more of the heavy lifting on offense, and he is averaging 15.2 points and 10.1 rebounds with 1.8 blocks per game. The freshman forward shot just 1-of-9 against Houston and continued to struggle from 3-point range, as he is 2-of-13 from the arc in the last five contests. Malcolm Dandridge contributed 12 points off the bench in the win over the Cougars - a new career high for the freshman big man who has played sparingly this season.

ABOUT SMU (18-8, 8-6): The Mustangs have not lost three games in a row all season and will hope to avoid that fate by relying on Davis (15.1 points) and three other double-digit scorers, including Tyson Jolly (14.8), who has averaged 18 points over the last three games. Davis has not surpassed 10 points in any of the last three games, although he is coming off a turnover-free game against Tulsa - his first such game since late November. Isiaha Mike contributed 13 points against Tulsa before fouling out after only 21 minutes.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. SMU won the first matchup this season, rallying from a 41-32 halftime deficit to top Memphis 74-70. Davis scored 20 points in that contest.

2. Beginning with this game, Memphis plays three of its final four regular-season games on the road.

3. Jolly was 3-of-8 from 3-point range against Tulsa after going 4-of-17 from the arc in the previous four games.

PREDICTION: SMU 68, Memphis 67